Fastening device



(No Model.)

W. D. CARTER & W. S. LOUTHER.

FASTENING DEVICE.

No. 380,990. Patented Apr. 10, 1888.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

WILLIAM D. CARTER, OF WEST BRIDGEWATER, AND WINFIELD S. LOUTHER, OF WEST BELLEVUE, PENNSYLVANIA.

FASTENING DEVICE.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 380,990, dated April 10, 1888.

Application filed November 15, 1887. Serial No. 255,251. (No model.)

To aZZ whom; it may concern.-

Be it known that we, WILLIAM D. CARTER, of West Bridgewater, Beaver county, and WINFIELI) 'S. LOUTHER, of West Bellevue, in the county of Allegheny and State of Pennsylvania, have invented a new and useful Improvement in Fastening Devices; and we do hereby declare that the following is a full, clear, and exact description of the same.

Our invention relates to fastening devices for use with harness or like situations, but capable of use in place of the ordinary snapbooks.

The invention consists of a hook formed in two parts suitably pivoted together, each portion having a hooked portion, the two portions being adapted to overlap to form a se cure fastening device and to remain locked until opened by positive lateral pressure.

The invention consists, also, in the form of the link and manner of pivoting and holding the parts together, and, further, in the combination, with said two part link, of means whereby it may be attached in various places to act as a snapple.

In the drawings, Figure 1 represents the link closed. Fig. 2 represents it partly open. Figs. 3, 4t, and 5 represent modifications of the holding device, varying them according to the purpose for which the device is to be used.

In the drawings, A represents one section of the device, which has a hook portion, 1, and a straight portion, 2, the end of the latter portion being formed with an eye.

B represents the second section of the de vice, and this also has a hook portion with a straight portion corresponding to the first section. From this straight portion projects, at right angles thereto, an extension-piece, O, which at its end is provided with an eye, 3, similar to that on the first section. The eyes are adapted to each other, and when together they are held by a suitable pin,and the length of the extension-piece is such that when the link is closed the straight portions will be parallel. The parts are pivoted together in this manner and are free to be opened and closed, and it will be observed that the pivot of the link is situated entirely to one side and out of the line of strain.

In order to secure the parts in a locked position, we have provided a projection on one side of the hook portion of the first section, as

indicated at a, and a corresponding depression or opening in the hook portion of the second section, as at b, and when the projection in the first section registers with the depression in the second section the lateral tension upon the parts will cause the projection to enter the depression and thus keep the parts securely locked together against all strain in the direct line.

In order to limit the separating movement of the sections, any suitable stop may be provided, as at 6.

It will be understood that we do not limit ourselves to this particular mode of fastening, as various kinds of spring devices may be used to effect the same result.

It will be observed that as the end of the hook portion of each section comes in line with the straight portion of the opposite section a closed space is secured within the walls of the two sections when together, and this forms a very strong fastening device.

As shown in the modified forms, we may use a socket upon the lower parts of the piece 0, or a tang or screw, as shown in another figure, or a link or an eyebolt, according to the use to which the device is to be applied, and we do not limit ourselves in this connection.

Ve claim as our invention 1. The described fastening device, consisting of the parts A and B, pivotally connected out of the line of strain, the part A consisting of the straight and hooked sections, said hooked section having a socket formed therein, the part B consisting of the straight and hooked sections, and the extension O,carrying a device for attaching the link in position for use, said hooked section of the part B having a lug formed upon its under side, adapted, when the parts A and B are interlocked, to engage with the socket upon the hooked section of part A, substantially as described.

2. In combination, the parts A and B, pivotally connected, the part B carrying a stud, as 6, for limiting the movement of the part A, substantially as described.

In testimony whereof we have signed our names to this specification in the presence of two subscribing witnesses.

"WILLIAM D. CARTER. WINFIELD S. LOUTHER. Witnesses:

0. P. W001), HENDERSON E. DAVIS. 

